(Perth) Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic, weakened by wrist pain, lost Wednesday in Perth (Australia) against Australian Alex de Minaur (6-4, 6-4) in the quarter-final of the United Cup.
The ATP number 12 gave his country the winning point in this mixed team tournament in 94 minutes, with a percentage of points won on his phenomenal first serve (33/34).
Djokovic, 36, played despite pain in his right wrist which had caused him to withdraw from the mixed doubles against the Czech Republic the day before in the group stage.
He suffered his first defeat in Australia since January 15, 2019, ending a series of 43 victories, less than two weeks before the Australian Open in Melbourne (January 14-28), a tournament he has won ten times and of which he is the title holder.
The rest of the Australia-Serbia quarter-final pitted Australian Ajla Tomljanovic against Serbian Natalija Stevanovic on Wednesday.